Modular step cover system for a swimming pool cover
A pool cover system for covering in-ground pools that have a step area which comprises a standard pool cover and a modular step cover system that are integrally attached. The modular step cover system includes a step area section which covers the step area of the pool and a flap section which extends below the pool cover and submerges into the pool. Where the step area section attaches to the flap section, there is an insert member for attaching the pool cover to the modular step cover system. Straps on the pool cover located in the area of the step cover system include strap extensions which are inserted into and through openings in the insert member of the step cover system. The straps extensions and straps of the pool cover are anchored to a deck area of the pool. A plurality of clips is used to secure the pool cover to the modular step cover system. The pool cover system meets safety standards and allows for full coverage and protection of the pool, while minimizing the need to extend the cover beyond the dimensions of the pool.
Latest Patents:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/574,789, filed May 27, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention generally relates to swimming pools, and in particular, to a pool cover system for covering in-ground swimming pools with a step area using a modular step cover system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA swimming pool cover may be used to cover a swimming pool for a variety of reasons such as to prevent accumulation of dust and debris in the pool and to prevent evaporation of pool water and chemicals from the pool. The pool cover may also be used for safety reasons to prevent someone from falling into the pool that may not be able to swim, especially in the winter when the water reaches dangerously low temperatures.
Typically, a pool cover for a pool having steps integral to the pool must be custom made due to the location of the steps and/or multiple locations of steps. There is no standard size pool cover which is fabricated and used for covering swimming pools that have steps. In some cases, a pool cover which is larger than necessary has been used to protect the steps when the standard pool cover is used. After the pool cover is centrally placed over the pool, straps extending from the edge of the pool cover are used to attach the cover to the pool deck beyond the step area. A problem inherent with this method is the pool cover extends substantially beyond the pool area to cover the steps which prohibits the use of the deck area being unnecessarily covered.
Another problem inherent with conventional standard pool covers of the type described above is that the steps and pool are not adequately protected. Dust, debris and other materials are allowed to enter the pool which then dissolve in the water or sink to the bottom making it difficult to maintain a clean pool.
Other attempts have been made to specially design a pool cover or cover for steps to cover a pool having a distinctive shape. For example, a modular plastic cover has been designed to overlay a step area. However, fabricating a pool cover or step cover having a distinctive shape can be very expensive and labor intensive. The cost of manufacturing such a pool cover or step cover as well as the cost to the consumer, is great when compared to the cost of a standard pool cover.
A problem with specially designed step covers, such as the one mentioned above, is that the covers may not meet the safety standards for pool cover. For example, the main pool cover and step cover are not integrally attached and there is no overlap between the two covers. As a result, an opening is usually present between the pool cover and the step cover through which a child may fit and accidentally fall into the pool.
The standard requirements used for assessing the safety of pool covers are set by ASTM International (“ASTM”) which promotes making products and services safer, better and more cost-effective. ASTM standard F1346-91 is applicable to pool covers and prohibits the existence of openings or gaps in or around the perimeter of the pool cover that may allow a small child (under five years of age) to have access to the pool. Specifically, the standard requires that any openings must be sufficiently small enough to prevent a small child's head from gaining access to the water. The standard also requires that the anchoring straps are durable and childproof such that the straps may not be unanchored.
Therefore, for the reasons stated above, there is currently a need for a pool cover that meets safety standards and is adaptable to a pool having a step area, easy to assemble, cost-effective and prevents debris from entering the pool, such as that provided by the present invention described below.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved pool cover system that overcomes the shortcomings of prior art systems.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved pool cover system that permits the pool cover system to be easily fabricated and assembled at the location of the pool in the field.
It is further object of the present invention to provide an improved pool cover system that forms an integrated closure between a pool cover and a step area cover which is not prone to separation or substantial leakage between the two covers.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved pool cover system that prevents dust and debris from accumulating in the pool.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved pool cover system that meets the ASTM safety standards for pool covers using a pool cover and integrally attached modular step cover system.
In accordance with the above objectives, the present invention provides a pool cover system including a standard pool cover securely and integrally attached to a modular step cover system which meets ASTM safety standards. The pool cover includes a sheet of material which is supported by a plurality of straps on both sides of the sheet such that the plurality of straps are woven in a grid configuration and secured to the sheet of material. The plurality of straps also extends outwardly from the grid configuration and peripheral edge of the sheet of material. The pool cover is fitted and centered over the pool and secured to a surface surrounding the pool, such as a swimming pool deck area, by the plurality of straps extending outwardly from the peripheral edge of the sheet.
The modular step cover system includes a step area section which covers the step area of the pool. The modular step cover may also include a flap section which is attached to the step area section and extends below the pool cover submerging into the pool. Where the step area section attaches to the flap section, an insert member is present for attaching the pool cover to the modular step cover system. The straps on the pool cover located in the area of the pool cover that will be placed next to the steps include strap extensions which are inserted into and through openings in the insert member and a securing member of the step cover system. The strap extensions are longer than a length of the step area of the pool so that the strap extensions may be secured to the area of the pool deck beyond the step area using an attaching means. A plurality of clips is used to secure the pool cover to the modular step cover system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSA more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The invention will now be described with reference to
Referring now to
Referring to
The pool cover 22 includes a sheet of material 26 which is supported by the plurality of straps 28 affixed on both sides of the sheet such that the plurality of straps is in a spaced relationship and woven in a grid configuration (
The sheet of material 26 is preferably formed of a durable fabric so that the pool is protected from dirt and debris as well as from sun rays which can fade the surface of the pool. The fabric may also provide thermal insulation for retaining heat when the pool is not in use. The straps 28 are preferably formed of a durable material so that when the straps are affixed to the sheet of material, the straps provide suitable reinforcement and rigidity. The straps may also provide resistance to sagging of the pool cover into the pool. It is understood that the rigidity of the straps inhibit a child from removing or operating the cover thus being childproof.
With reference to
As shown in
The pool cover 22 is securely and integrally attached to the modular step cover system 24 using a plurality of clips 62 (
As shown in
The strap extensions 34 are then secured to the deck area 30 via a tension spring and an anchor (not shown), as shown in
Although the pool cover system is shown in
It is also understood that the modular pool cover system may be used with a pool having multiple step areas. The straps of the pool cover in the areas of the pool having a step area will include strap extensions to anchor the pool cover to the deck. Furthermore, it is understood that the features of the present invention may be used to cover any opening adjacent to the pool such as swim-out areas, spas, seating facilities, and the like.
Claims
1. A pool cover system for covering an in-ground pool with a step area having a pool cover and a modular step cover system, the modular step cover system comprising:
- a step area section for covering the step area of the pool;
- a flap section which extends below the pool cover; and
- an insert member for attaching the pool cover to the modular step cover system, the step area section and the flap section attaching via the insert member.
2. The pool cover system of claim 1, wherein the insert member includes openings for attaching the pool cover to the modular step cover system.
3. The pool cover system of claim 1, wherein the pool cover includes strap extensions for insertion through the insert member.
4. The pool cover system of claim 3, wherein the step area section includes a securing member for insertion of the strap extensions after being inserted through the insert member.
5. The pool cover system of claim 1, wherein the pool cover and the step area section include straps for securing to a pool deck area.
6. The pool cover system of claim 1, further including a plurality of clips for securely holding the modular step area system and the pool cover together.
7. A modular step cover system, comprising:
- a step area section;
- a flap section; and
- an insert member, the step area section and the flap section attaching via the insert member.
8. The modular step cover system of claim 7, wherein the step area section includes a securing member comprising openings having sealing members situated at spaced position.
9. The modular step cover system of claim 7, wherein the insert member includes openings having sealing members situated at spaced positions.
10. The modular step cover system of claim 7, wherein the step area section is attached to a pool cover via the insert member.
11. The modular step cover system of claim 7, wherein the flap section includes nosing pads.
12. A pool cover system for covering an in-ground pool having a step area, comprising:
- a pool cover for covering the pool;
- a step area section for covering the step area of the pool; and
- an insert member for integrally attaching the pool cover to the step area section.
13. The pool cover system of claim 12, wherein the pool cover and the step area section include straps for securing to a pool deck area.
14. The pool cover system of claim 12, wherein the pool cover further includes strap extensions for insertion through the insert member.
15. The pool cover system of claim 12, wherein the insert member includes openings for attaching the pool cover to the step area section.
16. The pool cover system of claim 15, wherein the step area section includes a securing member for insertion of the strap extensions after being inserted through the insert member.
17. The pool cover system of claim 16, further including openings in the securing member for attaching the pool cover to a deck area.
18. The pool cover system of claim 12, further including a plurality of clips for securely holding the step area section and the pool cover together.
Type: Application
Filed: May 25, 2005
Publication Date: Dec 1, 2005
Applicant:
Inventor: Craig Lewis (Ballston Lake, NY)
Application Number: 11/136,890